Protests against ‘Tibet independence’ in China

Xinhua Beijing, April 20 (Xinhua) Demonstrations against “Tibet independence” continued Sunday in several Chinese cities. Demonstrators were seen in northwestern city of Xian, and the northeastern city of Harbin and eastern city Jinan following Saturday’s demonstrations in Beijing, and other places.

The demonstrators gathered in front of outlets of the French supermarket chain Carrefour, in the northwestern city of Xian, chanting “Oppose Tibet independence”, and “Oppose CNN’s anti-China statements”.

More than 1,000 students and citizens in front of the Carrefour held banners, saying “Strongly oppose CNN’s anti-China statements” and “Condemn Tibet secessionist in France”.

They raised slogans like “Support the Olympics”, “Go China” and “Condemn CNN” on loudspeakers.

Carrefour has been accused by Chinese Internet users of supporting the Dalai Lama group, which the firm Wednesday denied in a statement.

“Today’s activity is simply an awareness-raising activity, aimed at finding a way out for the patriotic emotions of our students,” said Wu Sheng, Xi’an resident and one of the organizers.

“We do not support a boycott of French companies because the economy is globalizing. We choose Carrefour front doors only because we draw more attention there,” Wu said.

Another 100 people gathered in rain in front of Carrefour in Jinan, capital of east China’s Shandong province raising slogans against Tibet independence.

Chen Bo, media manager of Carrefour China, refused to answer questions over the phone Sunday, but said he would release a statement by e-mail later in the day.